The Longest Day Podcast

Sir Vince Cable MP, former leader of the Liberal Democrat party, is our guest for our final episode of Season 2! Join Leah as she talks with Vince about his longest day as an MP, how the mood changed from gloom to optimism and how he emerged stronger. Learn about what characteristic qualities are needed to lead well, and how having your family and friends around you, at the end of the day, are mor...

After eight to ten years of working as a Creative Director in advertising, Clemmie Telford was making a lot of sacrifices, especially time with her young family. She was driven by the desire to change the discouraging statistics that only 3% of creative directors were female. But one night, at a dinner with her female friends where personal salaries were being discussed, it became shockingly clear...

This week, Leah Brown talks to Sir Stephen Timms, Labour Member of Parliament for East Ham. He tells the story of his longest day in May 2010 when he was stabbed three times by a member of the constituency he serves. Listen in on his views about forgiveness: how it can really only operate where there is personal communication. He has received three letters from his assailant via the police in whic...

Kimberly McIntosh, a Labour councillor of Faraday, Southwark, was working on an event on the Windrush scandal in Parliament when she experienced burnout. It was also just a few weeks before her debut non-fiction book, Black Girl, No Magic was coming out. Discover with Leah Brown, how Kimberlys reframing of her definition of success from being less extrinsic to one that is more intrinsic is helping...

Barry Stickings MBE is our guest for this weeks episode. When Barry and his wife Kelly heard that their baby was born with bilateral anophthalmia, a rare condition of the absence of both eyes, they were totally unprepared. That was 15 June 1989, their longest day a day that did not seem promising but turned out to have a bright future. Learn about how the devastating news did not stop them from ge...

In this weeks episode, join Leah as she speaks with Lord Michael Hastings CBE, former Commissioner of the Commission of Racial Equality, chairman of SOAS and vice-president at UNICEF UK among other roles. Listen to how his story of his longest day weaves with the stories of those he serves, particularly prisoners and ex-offenders. At the young age of 16, Michael purposed to speak up for the poor a...

This episodes guest is Sophia Ukor, the founder and CEO of Violet Simon, a media company amplifying the voices of women from all walks of life through authentic storytelling. Sophia shares her own story of suffering as a victim of abuse and rape, her suicide attempts, undergoing therapy, meeting her husband from whom she experiences unconditional love and her journey to founding Violet Simon. She...

This weeks guest is Dr Raghib Ali OBE MD FRCP, Chief Medical Officer of Our Future Health, UKs largest health research budget. It is recruiting a population that is representative of multi-ethnic UK to include those from deprived backgrounds. Discover what motivated Raghib during the COVID pandemic to contribute to what felt like a wartime effort, how his underprivileged familial background and ph...

In this weeks episode, Lieutenant General Arundell David Leakey CMG, CVO, CBE describes the most chaotic of crises he has ever been in as his longest day. It took place during his time as Black Rod, a role with ceremonial duties such as the State Opening of Parliament and the supervision of security emergency responses. Despite one miscreant causing injury and damage and the risk of more like him...

We talk to Andy Haldane on this weeks episode. Andy is the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts. He was formerly Chief Economist at the Bank of England where he experienced his longest day. The unravelling of the 2008 global financial crisis required important decisions to be made about the big number to prop up national banks. Listen to how Andy handled the pressure of a potential misstep...

The first black, female elected Mayor of Liverpool from 2021-2023, Joanne Anderson, is our guest for this episode. Listen in on how she managed the catastrophic withdrawal of the offer of a big energy provider; the bad press and the general fear caused were lessons for her. She is fearless in her criticism of those who would take credit away from those it is due. With the support of the citys Dire...

In this weeks episode, we speak with the Rt Hon David Lammy, Labour MP of Tottenham. He looks back to the beginning of the August 2011 Tottenham riots, triggered by the shooting of Mark Duggan and which led to nationwide riots, as his longest day. He supported the victims and the people of Tottenham a key experience in his advocacy for the families affected by the Grenfell tragedy. Find out how hi...

Our guest is Richard Hooper CBE, the founding deputy chair of the UK Communications Regulator, OfCom. Under the Labour and Conservative governments, he chaired reviews on the Royal Mail and copyright licensing. He is the author of Making Meetings Work. Richard speaks about his Longest Day chairing a board in disarray in one day. His 3-step approach of asking what is the issue?, what skills are nee...

Welcome to season two of The Longest Day! To kick things off we interview Nick Grono, the co-founder and leader of Freedom Fund, a global fund that aims to end worldwide, modern slavery. He is a leader who prioritises the humanity of people at the centre of the crisis. His longest day was witnessing the September 11th terrorist attacks whilst in New York working for the Australian government. Join...

Leroy Logan MBE PhD FRSA, a highly distinguished former police officer, discusses his longest day being confronted by a misconduct allegation. Discussing the trials of being a black authority figure standing firm against potential power abuses, Leroy discusses the motto 'innocent until proven guilty' alongside his fight for justice, what perseverance looks like in a witch-hunt, and the c...

Klaus M Nielsen is a man who has navigated various roles across diverse continents and cultures. From left-wing activist, video game designer, and international EDM DJ to monk and mentor, Klaus exemplifies the power of spiritual exploration and personal growth. Facing burnout, Klaus found tranquility in being a monk, but it also led him to his longest day. Join us as we explore Klaus's extrao...

Anna Woods is founder and CEO of Positive Retail and a leadership coach. Faced with a career crisis a decade ago, Anna emerged stronger and more committed to fostering a positive work culture. Her longest day involved standing up for herself in a toxic organisation. Emerging with new skills and a commitment to better leadership, Anna shares valuable insights, the necessity of a people-centric work...

Seasoned former banker Richard Boath talks to us about his longest day preventing a UK government bailout at Barclays Bank in 2008. He explains how he navigated immense pressure and engaged the stakeholders around him, noting that a crisis brings out the best or worst in people. But Richard also talks of accusations levelled against him by the Serious Fraud Office and his subsequent acquittal at t...

Tomiwa Owolade, a freelance writer, critic, and author discusses his longest day which not only shaped his beliefs and politics but also paved his path as a writer. We discuss his recently released book, 'This Is Not America: Why Black Lives in Britain Matter', that Diane Abbott MP column, and the nuances required for conversations about race in the United Kingdom. Don’t forget to subscr...

Tobi Oredein, the driving force of Black Ballad, candidly shares her entrepreneurial experiences. She speaks of the tough choices involved when an employee isn't up to scratch, about managing the business while on maternity leave during a pandemic, and emphasises the crucial role mentors and a thorough understanding of company culture play in successful decision-making. By tuning in, you&apos...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Samuel Kasumu, award-winning social entrepreneur and CEO of Inclusive Boards, who navigated the complexities of Downing Street before surprisingly resigning from his role as the most senior black advisor in the UK government. Samuel discusses his journey, including his time in Downing Street where he learned the importance of boldness and confidence, his...

Eight years ago, Jeremy Marshall was diagnosed with incurable cancer and given an 18-month prognosis. In our intimate discussion, he details the emotional upheaval following his diagnosis, emphasizing the profound role his faith played in not only guiding him through this crisis but also in leading him towards a renewed life purpose. This news culminated in helping to acquire Kingdom Bank, a Chris...

In episode 8 I interview Dr Hannah Barham-Brown a doctor, campaigner, speaker, media commentator, and social media stalwart. Its a raw, authentic and powerful episode. Shes never spoken so publicly about her story before and I hope all the literary agents and hiring managers and conference organisers take note. I mean it. Shes the ideal EDI speaker. Shes the real deal. Shes that good. We talk abou...

In this episode, we speak to Ben Hilton, CEO of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. We discuss his longest day navigating significant headcount reductions. He advocates for honesty and transparency, and explains that financial sustainability is at the core of a successful organisation, and carves out time for personal reflection. The episode explores the merits of collective decision-making, the benefits...

Chris Paouros is an extraordinary leader and this is an extraordinary interview. Prefaced with a content warning, we discuss what it looks like to go on when the world has fallen out from beneath your feet. This episode delves into behaviours society needs its leaders to adopt. We also talk about community and belonging in the context of Chris activism to achieve equality in sports. Don’t forget t...